Maintaining underwater photography equipment is key for reliable performance and clear images. Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of your gear and ensures it works well, even at depth.
In this guide, we’ll go over basic steps to your maintaining underwater photography equipment, including daily cleaning and long-term storage. You’ll find practical tips to prevent corrosion, avoid damage, and keep your camera and accessories in good condition for clear, consistent images.
Overview
Introduction to Underwater Photography Gear
For underwater photography, you need some pretty specific gear to capture clear images in the water. This usually includes things like waterproof camera housings, special lenses, strobes or underwater lights, and other add-ons like wet lenses and port covers. Each part needs regular care and attention to handle underwater conditions, like exposure to saltwater and the pressure changes that come with diving.
Why Maintenance is Important
It takes some of your precious time to maintain your gear underwater, but the results will pay off in better shots and a longer-lasting setup. Easy routines to get into at the end of every dive include rinsing, lubricating O-rings, and storing correctly to ensure that your equipment is always ready for the next dive. Being consistent with them will provide years with your gadget at peak performance.
Basic Tools for Maintenance
To maintain your underwater photography equipment effectively, you’ll need a set of basic tools and cleaning materials. Here’s a quick list:
- Freshwater rinse container: Large enough to soak and rinse equipment post-dive.
- Soft microfiber cloths: For gently wiping lenses and screens.
- Air blower: Handy for drying hard-to-reach areas without scratching surfaces.
- Lens cleaning solution: Alcohol-free to prevent residue on optics.
- Silicone grease: Essential for lubricating O-rings without damaging rubber.
- Protective case: For safe storage and transport of delicate parts.
Having these on hand will simplify maintenance, ensuring you can clean, dry, and inspect your gear after every dive.
Pre-Dive Preparation
Before heading out on a dive, it’s essential to inspect and prepare your gear meticulously.
Inspect and Assemble
Check for any apparent damage to your housing, the ports, and other parts. Pay extra attention to the O-rings; those are your main seals and guards against leakage. When everything seems okay, begin to assemble your camera and equipment, following instructions from the manufacturer closely.
Test Waterproof Seals
Make sure every latch is closed and tightly fastened. You can even dunk the housing (without a camera inside) in freshwater to check that everything is waterproof. This small test generally gives one confidence in confirmation that seals work right, so you will be diving confidently.
Daily Cleaning Routine
After each dive, cleaning your equipment is the most important step in maintaining it. Salt, sand, and other particles can build up and damage your gear if left unattended.
Rinse with Freshwater
Freshwater rinse your gear immediately after a dive. If time allows, let it soak for several minutes as this will allow any remaining salt to dissolve. The longer the dive, or the saltier the environment, the longer the soak will be to more adequately remove all of the particulate.
Clean Optical Components
After rinsing, gently wipe down lenses, ports, and screens with a microfiber cloth. Steer clear of abrasive materials, as they can scratch the glass or damage any coatings.
Preventing and Managing Corrosion
Saltwater exposure is the most common cause of corrosion, which can quickly degrade even the best underwater photography gear. To prevent this, follow these practices:
- Regular freshwater rinsing: Never allow saltwater to dry on your equipment.
- Dry thoroughly: Use an air blower to dry crevices and joints.
- Avoid harsh cleaners: Chemicals may damage coatings and O-rings.
Lens and Port Maintenance
Lenses and ports are critical to image quality, so extra care is needed.
Cleaning Lenses and Ports
Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean the lens and port surfaces, ensuring they remain free from smudges and residue. Avoid direct handling with bare hands to prevent fingerprints.
Protecting Glass and Acrylic Ports
If you are not using your equipment, a port cover can be set on the port. In terms of cleaning, for glass ports special cleaning solutions are appropriate while acrylic ports should be treated more carefully to avoid scratches.
Handling Seals and O-Rings
O-rings are the linchpin of underwater equipment. A faulty or dry O-ring can lead to catastrophic leaks.
Inspecting and Lubricating O-Rings
Before every dive, check the O-rings for nicks or debris. Apply a small amount of silicone grease to keep them supple and effective, but avoid over-greasing as this can attract particles.
Avoiding Common O-Ring Mistakes
Using the wrong grease or neglecting to clean O-rings properly are common mistakes. Follow your gear’s specific guidelines to avoid these errors and keep your O-rings in top condition.
Battery Care and Management
Battery care is essential for reliable performance underwater.
Choosing the Right Battery Type
Use manufacturer-recommended batteries to ensure optimal performance and battery life. Avoid low-quality batteries that might swell or leak under pressure.
Battery Compartment Maintenance
Keep battery compartments clean and dry. Before inserting, wipe down batteries to remove any particles, and always check for a tight seal after closing the compartment.
Storage Practices for Longevity
Proper storage can significantly extend the life of your underwater photography equipment.
Store in Cool, Dry Places
Humidity can damage electronic components, so store your gear in a cool, dry place. A desiccant packet inside the storage container can help manage moisture.
Avoiding Extreme Temperatures
Extreme heat can affect battery life and damage seals, while extreme cold may cause condensation. Try to maintain moderate storage conditions.
Travel Tips for Underwater Gear
Traveling with underwater equipment requires special care.
Packing Tips for Safe Travel
Padded cases are for sensitive components. Separate batteries and other sensitive parts against the impact caused by bad roads and vibrations when packing.
Flying with Batteries
Airlines may have restrictions in terms of type and number of batteries in carry-on baggage. Always verify ahead of time if there are any new regulations. Lithium-ion batteries are often restricted and must be properly packaged to prevent short circuits.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Knowing how to troubleshoot issues can save time and prevent permanent damage to your equipment.
Leaks and Condensation
If you notice leaks, stop using the equipment immediately. Remove the camera, dry it thoroughly, and inspect all seals. For condensation, check for any temperature differences or humid environments in your setup.
Fixing Fogged Lenses
Fogged lenses are usually due to temperature differences. Try using anti-fog inserts inside the housing to prevent this issue from affecting your photos.
Conclusion and Final Tips
Keeping your underwater photography gear in good shape may take some time, but it’s worth it for better shots and a longer-lasting setup. Simple routines like rinsing after each dive, lubricating O-rings, and storing everything properly help make sure your equipment is always ready for the next dive. Sticking with these habits will help you get the most out of your gear for years.
Maintenance Products
NOVUS Polish 2oz Bottle Set
This polish set is great for keeping your acrylic dome and flat ports in top shape. It includes three different polishes and a lens cloth to help remove light scratches and scuffs, so your gear stays clear and scratch-free.
Anti-Fog Inserts for GoPro
These inserts are a simple fix for foggy lenses in cold or humid conditions. Just drop them in your GoPro housing, and they’ll help keep your lens clear, so you always get sharp, fog-free shots. Plus, they’re reusable!
